Geography, Size, and Structure of the Great Wall
Location of the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China expands over several parts of Northern China, going from nearly as far west as the border of China, east to the Pacific Ocean, and stretching south to other regions of mainland China. The main portions of the Great Wall begin in Lop Lake in Western China and stretch all the way east to the city of Dandong. The Wall closely follows the border of Mongolia, expanding into the country in some portions. Of the total 21,196 km of the Great Wall, the most recognizable and well-fortified sections built by the Ming Dynasty comprise around 8,850 km. These sections of the Wall are largely still standing today, while other sections, made of rammed earth, have largely eroded. The Wall follows the natural hills and mountains of Northern China, and is built mostly upon the highest points of these hills for the most effective defenses (UNESCO, 2016). |
Size of the Great Wall
As mentioned earlier, the Great Wall of China expands 21,196 km in total, with all branches included. This estimate is the result of a 2012 archaeological survey, which nearly doubled earlier estimates of the Wall's length. This is nearly five times the width of the continental United States.
The portions of the Wall built by the Ming Dynasty are by far the largest. These sections of the wall measure up to 7.8 meters high and 5 meters wide. This dwarfs the earlier sections of the wall, which could be hurdled by invaders and provided little actual defenses (Travel China, 2014).
As mentioned earlier, the Great Wall of China expands 21,196 km in total, with all branches included. This estimate is the result of a 2012 archaeological survey, which nearly doubled earlier estimates of the Wall's length. This is nearly five times the width of the continental United States.
The portions of the Wall built by the Ming Dynasty are by far the largest. These sections of the wall measure up to 7.8 meters high and 5 meters wide. This dwarfs the earlier sections of the wall, which could be hurdled by invaders and provided little actual defenses (Travel China, 2014).
Terrain
The Great Wall lies along two main types of terrain, used strategically to keep invaders out. (China Highlights, 2016) Mountain Ridges
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Materials
Since the Great Wall of China was constructed in many different terrains and during several different time periods, the materials used in each section of the wall tend to vary. (Travel China, 2016)
Since the Great Wall of China was constructed in many different terrains and during several different time periods, the materials used in each section of the wall tend to vary. (Travel China, 2016)
Stamped Earth
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Stone
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Bricks
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